Dance Dance Revolution is a rhythm game by Konami, makers of arcade hardware involving ridiculous peripherals since the early '90s. The gameplay of DDR involves stepping rhythmically, or dancing, on four panels, pointing in the four cardinal directions. Listen to the music and watch the screen. When the arrows match up, step on the corresponding arrow on the floor.

Because of the rigidity of some player's techniques, many believe the gameplay holds little resemblance to the commmon notion dancing, while some players hold steadfast that DDR is legitimate dancing. Competive DDR tends to be jerky, while "freestyle" competitions range from classic dance moves to elaborate skits involving costumes and dialogs - all done on the pad. The latter forms tend to occur at "tourneys", however, and are seldom seen on local machines except by people rehearsing for a competition.

Some find it silly. Some find it curiously addicting. Some find it incredibly loud, especially if it's taking place in the apartment above you.

The best player in Davis, by all accounts, is a guy named Zack. Local afficionados claim that his patterns are at near-maximum efficiency, and his form is excellent. Other DDR players of fair-to-middling skill include KennethWaters, ct, Mpled and NathanDodd (These three have been playing Pump it Up a lot more of late, though).

Links

Orange Lounge Radio is a Bemani (rhythm game) radio show broadcast out of nearby Roseville and often covers local events. The main host is a friend of JabberWokky and has performed as Frank N' Furter in local Rocky Horror shows on campus.